I, Henry
I looked critically at the carpet, shaking my head. “You know, the Henry just isn’t up to the snuff anymore. Perhaps we need a different vacuum cleaner.”
A heavy sigh emanated from the under-stairs cupboard. Was one of the cats in there? A glance told me not.
“What about a Dyson? They’re supposed to be excellent. And, no wires to worry about.”
“Humph!” came from the cupboard, before the Henry trundled out. “Some of us have feelings you know. I have sinus problems. Ever thought of changing my bag?”
“But…What? You…” I stuttered. “I need a glass of wine.”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleJust to clear up the title. It should be ‘I, Henry’, like in Asimov’s book (and the film of the same name) ‘I, Robot’, which might make the story make more sense 🙂
Thanks for changing it Voice team 🙂
Glad to oblige!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GooglePoor Henry, being blamed while all the while they didn’t change his bag! Your story made me smile. I had trouble with our vacuum cleaner until my husband told me it was time to clean the bag so I can totally relate! Good story, Carrie!
Hi Marianna, thanks for your comment. I’ve never actually owned a Henry, but every time I see one, with their cute faces, I can really imagine them having a conversation. We’ve had bagless for years now, but still have to regularly clean the filters. With a husband, dog and 6 cats, that’s a very regular job indeed! ?
Honestly, Linda, I don’t have a vacuum cleaner at all. We don’t need it in our very simple bamboo nipa hut. So I need to re-read it thrice and do some research about Henry and Dyson, then I found out that the story is all about the vacuum cleaner and Henry and Dyson is a brand name of a vacuum. Poor little me 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Lotchie, thanks for commenting. Yes, I think that is the worst thing about brand names. Sometimes we have different brand names for exactly the same item in, for example, America. So it does cause some difficulty. There is a girly form of the Henry, called ‘Hetty’.
Really? Then Hetty was a nice name and cute. If God will give me a new baby girl, I will call her Hetty.
This is a true story Lotchie. When the first vacuum cleaner was invented, a salesman goes into the less populated area, hoping to make more sales. He’s invited into the house to show off his new machine, that he claims is the wonder of all wonders – Let me show you how it works. Smiling, he empties a dust bag all over the carpet. The women gasps. Don’t worry he says reassuringly,… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHahahahaha ? ? ? poor lady. Then her carpet now is full of dust. And the seller is funny. hahahah lol. He should ask first if the client has electricity before putting all the dust on the carpet.
? But that’s a different story; you’ll have to keep that one in your repertoire, Eric ?
Lotchie, don’t worry I’m the vacuum in our house, that is why there is an extra ”U” in the word vacuum!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with Googlehehehehehe. Eric, your family is very much happy because of that. No vacuum cleaner means energy-saving and fewer expenses.
I need to teach the cats and dog how to vacuum. All the dog wants to do is murdify it!
Oh I do love a ‘Henry’, always suspected there was a real character behind that happy face. Great job bringing a vacuum cleaner to life Carrie, inspirational!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Linda. I know it’s old material, but it’s nice to bring it out and give it a bit of an update.
I loved everything about this story – the subtle reference to Asimov, the humor, learning that in England you give your vacuum cleaners names. Henry is so much better than Electrolux! I especially enjoyed Eric’s story to Lotchie about the salesman, the dirt and the electricity. Much laughter from one story!!
Thanks Julie. I had fun writing it, so it’s good that people can have fun reading it and adding their own little anecdotes ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is a wonderful fun story Carrie. I love the thought that everyone can laugh, join in the story relating it to their own experiences. When I read the comments, it seems to me that the comments take the form of roads we walk, as we read, meeting friends along the way, can stop to chat, laugh, and then move on.
Thanks Eric. I think that’s the beauty of comments; you get to see how readers react to your stories and whether the story you can hear inside your head reads the same way to other people. It’s even nicer when they can relate to it!
A very unique story, and also quite funny ? . Great writing!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Daisy, glad you enjoyed it 🙂